Akinori Performance Overview
Akinori Performance is an American stock car racing team competing part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 2025 by Akinori Ogata, the team is based in Mooresville, North Carolina. They field the No. 63 truck part-time, driven by Ogata and Kenko Miura. The team is known for running Toyota vehicles and is sponsored primarily by Kyowa Industrial, Mooneyes, and YKK AP.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Akinori Performance was established on February 7, 2025, when Akinori Ogata announced the formation of a new racing team to compete part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The creation of the team marked Ogata’s transition from driver to team owner, aiming to build a competitive presence in American stock car racing. The team’s base was set in Mooresville, North Carolina, a hub for motorsports operations.
The initial business model focused on part-time participation, with sponsorship agreements secured with Kyowa Industrial, Mooneyes, and YKK AP. These partnerships provided the financial backing necessary to support the team’s operations and competitive efforts. The organizational structure centered around Ogata’s leadership, with a focus on assembling a skilled crew and technical staff to support race day performance.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
Akinori Performance stepped into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, fielding the No. 63 Toyota truck. The team planned to debut at the Atlanta spring race but withdrew due to unfavorable conditions. They officially made their debut later that year at the Homestead race, finishing 32nd. Alongside Ogata, driver Kenko Miura also competed part-time for the team, contributing to its development and presence in the series.
Before entering the Truck Series, Ogata had experience as an owner/driver in the K&N Pro Series East in 2014, running the No. 56 Toyota with Dale Quarterley as crew chief. This earlier venture provided foundational experience in team management and competition, despite limited race finishes. The transition to the Truck Series represented a strategic step to expand the team’s competitive scope and visibility in national motorsports.
Akinori Performance Competitive Journey
Akinori Performance’s racing journey began with participation in the K&N Pro Series East in 2014 and evolved into part-time competition in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starting in 2025. The team has focused on gradual growth, leveraging Ogata’s dual role as owner and driver to build competitive capabilities and establish a foothold in American stock car racing.
Early Seasons and Development (2014, 2025)
In 2014, Akinori Ogata competed as an owner/driver in the K&N Pro Series East, piloting the No. 56 Toyota. With Dale Quarterley as crew chief, the team qualified for three of five races and completed the race at Iowa Speedway. This period was marked by foundational learning and development, with limited race finishes but valuable experience gained in team operations and race strategy.
After a hiatus from team ownership, Ogata reestablished his racing team in 2025 with Akinori Performance’s entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team’s early races included a withdrawal from the Atlanta spring event due to conditions and a debut at Homestead, where they finished 32nd. These initial outings reflected the challenges of entering a competitive national series but demonstrated commitment to growth and participation.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
Currently, Akinori Performance operates under the ownership of Akinori Ogata, competing part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Toyota as their manufacturer. The team fields the No. 63 truck, driven by Ogata and Kenko Miura, and maintains sponsorship from Kyowa Industrial, Mooneyes, and YKK AP. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, the team focuses on building competitive strength through strategic race participation and technical development.
Infrastructure improvements and technical partnerships are ongoing as the team seeks to enhance performance and expand its presence in the series. The long-term goal is to establish Akinori Performance as a consistent competitor in NASCAR, leveraging Ogata’s experience and leadership to develop both the team and its drivers.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Akinori Performance emphasizes a focused approach to part-time competition, prioritizing reliability and steady progress. The team excels in managing limited race schedules with strategic planning, aiming to maximize performance in each event. Their strengths include adaptability and technical collaboration, particularly with Toyota’s manufacturer support.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The team’s official debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at the 2025 Homestead race marked a significant milestone. Although the finish was 32nd, it represented the realization of Ogata’s vision to compete at a national level. Earlier, Ogata’s 2014 participation in the K&N Pro Series East as an owner/driver laid the groundwork for the team’s current endeavors.
Akinori Performance Achievements and Results
While Akinori Performance is a relatively new team with limited race participation, it has established a foundation in American stock car racing through its entries in the K&N Pro Series East and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team continues to build its competitive record with aspirations for future success.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
The team debuted in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, fielding the No. 63 Toyota truck. Although no race victories or pole positions have been recorded yet, the team’s participation marks its entry into a highly competitive national series. The debut race at Homestead was a key highlight, demonstrating the team’s commitment to growth and competition.
K&N Pro Series East Achievements
In 2014, Akinori Performance competed in the K&N Pro Series East with the No. 56 Toyota. The team qualified for three races and completed one, gaining valuable experience in regional stock car racing. While no wins or championships were achieved, this period was important for developing team operations and racecraft.